Project Review

CFA meeting with Frank Gehry, May 2010

Architect Frank Gehry presents the concept design for the President Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial to the Commission of Fine Arts, May 2012. (Image credit: CFA)

 

The heart of the work of the Commission of Fine Arts is the review of design proposals for public and private properties in the National Capital, as they affect the federal interest and preserve the dignity of the nation’s capital. The CFA reviews design proposals in three areas of jurisdiction: government projects, Shipstead-Luce Act projects, and Old Georgetown Act projects.

Please start here to determine which area of jurisdiction applies to your project. For more detailed information, follow the links below.

Government Projects

Submit for CFA review as a government project if you represent a federal or D.C. government agency that is:

  • planning a new government building, such as an office building, museum, school, library, or other building or structure on federal or D.C. government property;
  • planning modifications or additions to an existing building on federal or D.C. government property;
  • establishing a new park or public space or modifying an existing park or public space;
  • installing artwork in an outdoor public space, such as a park, plaza, or Metro station;
  • proposing major new public infrastructure, such as a bridge, or modifying the streetscape design of a public street;
  • working with a private developer to propose a new building or modifications or additions to an existing building or site on federal or D.C. government property; or
  • planning a new building or modifications or additions to an existing building or site at Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, Joint Base Fort Myer-Henderson Hall, or an overseas military cemetery.

Learn more about Government projects »

Shipstead-Luce Act Projects

Submit a project for review under the Shipstead-Luce Act if you are a private property owner whose property is within, fronts, or abuts the Shipstead-Luce Act area of jurisdiction, which encompasses the monumental and governmental core of the city, much of the Potomac waterfront, and Rock Creek Park, and you are:

  • building a new residential, commercial, or non-government institutional building;
  • adding to or modifying the exterior of your property, including adding signs or replacing windows; or
  • proposing modifications to the public space adjacent to your property.

Learn more about Shipstead-Luce projects »

Old Georgetown Act Projects

Submit a project for review under the Old Georgetown Act if you are a private property owner in Georgetown and you are:

  • building a new residential, commercial, or non-government institutional building;
  • adding to or modifying the exterior of your property, including adding signs or replacing windows; or
  • proposing modifications to the public space adjacent to your property.

Learn more about Old Georgetown projects »